Monday 27 February 2017

LGBTI Rights, Happy Mardi Gras, Newcastle 500, Local Seniors Award, Campbell’s Cove Promenade, Thank You ‘Firies’ and Clean Up Woollahra

Happy Mardi Gras

In Parliament, I got cross party support for my Matter of Public Importance discussion recognising the significant contribution that the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras makes to Sydney and NSW. Speakers sent strong messages of acceptance and celebration of LGBTI communities. Mardi Gras remains an important tool in the push for LGBTI full equality. My speech is HERE. 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore and I will again be marching in this year’s parade – along with lots of supporters. Don’t miss seeing this celebration of progress towards equality. Details: www.mardigras.org.au/parade.

LGBTI Rights

I’m introducing panel members for an inspiring discussion on LGBTI rights with Californian Senator Ricardo Lara, former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, Taiwan International Queer Film Festival founder Jay Lin, The Equality Campaign’s Tiernan Brady and Australian Marriage Equality’s Shirleene Robinson, moderated by ABC's Ben Jenkins. It’s on upstairs at The Beresford 354 Bourke Street Surry Hills tomorrow night (Tuesday 28 February) 6.30-8pm. Details: www.equalitycampaign.org.au/politicspub.

Newcastle 500

The government will turn off environmental and planning protections to allow a supercar race through a densely populated heritage precinct in Newcastle. The race track will enclose residents, including elderly social housing tenants, many of whom contacted me concerned about loss of access to services, and significant noise and air pollution. I supported their concerns and opposed the legislation in Parliament. My speech is HERE.

Local Seniors Award

I’m calling for nominations for the 2017 Sydney electorate Seniors Local Achievement Award. The program is one way to acknowledge and thank older people for their contribution to the local community. Please let me know of any older person whose contribution should be recognised with this award – by Monday 6 March. The awards are part of the annual Seniors Festival 3-12 March: www.nswseniorsfestival.com.au.  

Campbell’s Cove Promenade

Property NSW proposes public domain changes to Campbell’s Cove, including a new promenade, waterfront leisure space, amphitheatre for public events, a plaza / pedestrian square, vehicle access to the Overseas Passenger Terminal wharf, and improved connections from the promenade to Hickson Road. Submissions close 10 March. Information HERE.  

Thank You ‘Firies’

Tomorrow is Red Balloon Day, set up to honour and thank fire fighters across Australia. The recent devastating fires reinforce the need for action on climate change, but also remind us to thank all those who help during these emergencies: www.nationalredballoonday.org. 

Clean Up Woollahra

Come along to the Queen Street West Woollahra Association, Holdsworth Centre and Woollahra Council’s Clean Up Woollahra and Neighbour Day BBQ at Moncur Reserve from 10.30am Sunday 5 March (Clean Up Australia Day). Details HERE. Find a local clean up site HERE.